Egg-Yolk (Shell) Peritonitis in Birds: A Vet’s 2025 Guide 🐥🩺

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc – avian veterinarian & founder of Ask A Vet 🩺🐾

Egg-yolk peritonitis (also called internal laying) occurs when yolk—or an incompletely formed egg—enters the coelomic cavity instead of the oviduct. The yolk causes inflammation, fluid buildup, and often becomes infected. Without prompt treatment, it can be fatal. This 2025 guide covers:

• 🧐 What egg-yolk peritonitis is and why it happens
• 🚩 Signs to watch for
• 🔍 Diagnosing via exam, imaging & fluid sampling
• 💊 Treatment: fluids, antibiotics, surgery, egg suppression
• 🛡 Prevention: diet, environment, hormonal control
• 📱 When to get help via Ask A Vet

1. 🧬 What Is Egg-Yolk Peritonitis?

Yolk peritonitis occurs when yolk or a shell-less egg leaks into the coelom instead of passing through the oviduct :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. The yolk induces inflammation and fluid accumulation, and rapidly becomes infected—often with E. coli, Enterococcus or Klebsiella :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

2. 🚨 Clinical Signs & Risk Factors

• Stopped or missed laying, soft or malformed eggs :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Lethargy, fluffed feathers, reduced appetite, respiratory effort, “penguin” stance :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Abdominal enlargement, tenesmus, yolk-colored droppings :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Similar to egg binding—watch for breathing issues and abdominal fluid pressure :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

3. 🔍 Diagnose Early & Accurately

• Physical exam: check abdomen for fluid, yolk masses :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Bloodwork: elevated WBC, possible hypercalcemia, hypoalbuminemia :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Imaging: ultrasound or X-ray detects fluid and ectopic yolk :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Coelomocentesis: sample fluid to detect yolk and culture bacteria :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

4. 💊 Treatment Options

4.1 Supportive Care

• Isolate and keep warm with gentle brooder environment :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Provide fluids via SC or IO to maintain hydration :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Furosemide may reduce fluid buildup—as used in parrots at ~1 mg/kg BID :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

4.2 Antibiotics & Anti-inflammatories

• Empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g. enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg BID) :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Adjust based on culture/sensitivity—common isolates include E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• NSAIDs may reduce inflammation—judicious use only under vet guidance :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

4.3 Surgical Intervention

• Severe or chronic cases may need exploratory surgery or salpingohysterectomy (ovarian removal) :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Surgery removes yolk and infected tissues; may restore health or end laying :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

5. 🛡 Prevent Recurrence

• Ensure balanced diet: quality pellets, calcium/vitamin D supplements, cuttlebone access :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Modify environment: remove nesting cues, reduce lay triggers, lower daylight duration :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
• Hormonal control: leuprolide or deslorelin implants to halt egg laying :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
• Monitor weight and flock density—stress and early egg production contribute to risk :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

6. 🧩 Quick Reference Table

7. 📱 When to Contact a Vet or Ask A Vet

• Support early—image exams, thoracic pressure support, treatment plans
• Share images or videos of abdominal distension or posture changes
• Discuss when surgery or egg suppression implants may be needed
• Guide follow-up care, imaging, and flock management strategies

🧡 Final Takeaways

• Egg-yolk peritonitis is a serious, often fast-moving condition—early detection is vital.
• Comprehensive treatment includes fluid management, antibiotics, and sometimes surgery.
• Prevention with diet, hormonal control, and environmental adjustment is key to recovery.
• Prompt consultation via Ask A Vet ensures expert guidance throughout.

If your bird shows lethargy, abdominal swelling, or stops laying—seek veterinary care or connect via the Ask A Vet app. Timely action can save lives. 🐾